New Exhibition Opens at The Beachy Head Story
4th May 2022
Beachy Head - with its stunning landscape and views, the rolling Downs, cliffs, and iconic landscape - has been a popular holiday destination for centuries.
And now a new exhibition entitled Holidaying at Beachy Head – A Place to Remember – takes visitors on a journey through holidaymakers’ memories from years gone by.
The free exhibition is at The Beachy Head Story, Beachy Head Road, and opens on Saturday 7 May and runs until Friday 15 July.
Among the exhibits is author Lewis Carroll's bed desk made for his regular holidays in Eastbourne, hand drawn sketches of the Garland family visiting in the 1870s and Mary Thomas' travel diary written in the 1830s.
Mary Thomas lived in Ratton and travelled around England in the 1830s with her family. Her travels tell us not only about her life but the people she met.
The Garland family diary was written by Nathaniel and Mary Garland and their family whilst holidaying in Eastbourne in 1873.
Nathaniel was a London vicar and while their rectory was being refurbished, the family spent time on the south coast.
Each member of the family was expected to write and illustrate their entries to record a family treasure of memories and thoughts that we can still appreciate today.
One of the exhibition’s other highlights is Lewis Carroll’s bed desk which was made to his specifications for his holidays in Eastbourne when he stayed in Lushington Road, where a Blue Plaque is located.
The exhibition also showcases the name plate of the former Beachy Head train, which hasn’t been on display for at least 20 years
Councillor Margaret Bannister, Eastbourne Borough Council’s Lead Member for Tourism and Culture, said, “We know how wonderful Beachy Head and the surrounding area is and this exhibition shows that our ancestors also appreciated its outstanding beauty too.
“There are some fabulous artefacts on display along with stories from visitors through the ages.
“It is the latest exhibition at The Beachy Head Story, which shows how our beautiful landscape has been important to people for thousands of years.”
The attraction also offers a well-stocked gift shop with unique, locally sourced gifts, all inspired by the Downs and the sea, from South Downs honey and tea, to soaps, scented candles and the work of local photographers and artists.
For more information visit www.thebeachyheadstory.co.uk.
